Managing Director- Portland Center Stage

Managing Director

Portland Center Stage (PCS) in Portland, OR offers a salary range of $150,000 to $170,000 per year for a full-time position. The application deadline for best consideration is November 14, 2025.

Welcome to Portland Center Stage

Portland Center Stage exists to create transcendent theatrical experiences and community programs that break down the barriers separating people. The company produces a diverse range of innovative, relevant plays and musicals that seek to center joy and belonging; develops powerhouse, new theatrical work; and fosters long-term connection through a wide array of free education and community programs that are deeply integrated into the heart of artistic programming at PCS.

The organization is led by Marissa Wolf, Artistic Director and Jelani Memory, Board Chair.

The Job

The Managing Director of Portland Center Stage (PCS) provides leadership and oversight for the theatre's financial management, revenue generation, facilities operations, and community relationships reporting to the Board of Trustees and working closely in partnership with the Artistic Director to achieve the organization's mission. Key responsibilities include strategic leadership, financial oversight, revenue generation, community engagement and representation, and leading operational teams, ensuring the long-term vision and growth of the company. The Managing Director works closely with the Board of Trustees, Artistic Director, and community to foster a positive and effective working environment, grow PCS's resources, and strengthen PCS's financial operations in a manner that is aligned with Portland Center Stage's mission, vision, and values.

Current Environment

Like many theaters across the country, PCS alongside downtown Portland continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Located in the center of a busy commercial district, PCS helps to drive traffic for local businesses through their productions and programs. While contributions have remained strong, the organization faces challenges regarding its single ticket and subscriber base. Recently, the theater launched an emergency fundraising campaign to raise $2.5 million before the end of August 2025, which they have achieved. The theater must raise another $6.5 million to meet the goal of the campaign which will help to stabilize the organization's finances.

The achievement of their recent fundraising goal demonstrates a need for PCS's work in the local community and broader national landscape. It also speaks to the excellent theater the artistic, education, and production staff have produced, led by a dynamic artistic director. Board and major donors remained engaged with an eagerness to work towards the theater's strategic goals. The next managing director will need a firm grasp about the challenges facing theaters while also capitalizing on opportunities for the organization's future.

Your Roles and Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Artistic Director to align strategic and financial decisions with the organization's mission.
• Reflect the organization's values in daily management, strategic planning, communication, and relationship building.
• Embrace and champion organizational IDEA goals with a focus on embodying these practices with the staff, board, and community.
• Work with the Board and staff to implement strategies reflecting recent transformational goals.
• Seek opportunities to grow and expand the organization's work and footprint in the region.
• Maintain effective communication with the Board of Trustees, ensuring their engagement and participation.
• Supervise business and facility operations with a focus on finance, fundraising, and earned revenue models.
• Develop and manage budgets for the organization and capital improvements, including forecasting and financial planning, in collaboration with the Finance Director and Board.

Revenue Generation and Enhancement

Staff Management & Culture Building

Community Engagement & External Relations

Who Are We Looking For?

The top candidates will have the following qualifications :

PCS believes in fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we understand that unique perspectives and experiences contribute to our success. If you are passionate about organizational development and growth, eager to lead, and committed to making a positive impact, we welcome your application. We encourage you to be curious about what you can offer the role and apply if you meet the majority of the qualifications listed below.

Portland Center Stage is committed to advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. PCS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to : racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Portland Center Stage does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to age, marital status, sexual orientation, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap.

About Portland

Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is Oregon's largest city and one of the Pacific Northwest's most dynamic cultural centers. With a population of approximately 635,000, Portland offers the energy of a mid-sized city with the soul of an artistic community. Known for its commitment to sustainability,